HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2003-06-04, Page 8PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2003.
Ready for a challenge Another step
Blyth Scouts Frank Van Hittersum, left and Adam Young
advanced to Venturers at a banquet held last Monday
evening at Blyth’s Lions’ park. (Janice Becker photo)
Five Blyth Beavers took the step towards Cubs last week when the moving up ceremony was
held at Blyth’s Lions’ Park. From left, Jason Meier, Ben Pletch, Wesley Thompson, Tyler
Cartwright and Zachery Drost. (Janice Becker photo)
Conlon says cost of treating problems escalating
Continued from page 7
important in filling the gap. This was
not taken into consideration enough
when assessing the overall effect of
cutting the services.”
“We’ve done well with the
resources and the system put in
place. It’s unrealistic to think that
we would get eight psychiatrists to
practise in Huron County. The
alternative system of Community
Psychiatric Services was a way of
delivering care to many people. I’m
disappointed that was not
recognized,” Conlon said.
“I don’t accept the cost
effectiveness argument for cutting
the program. The cost of not treating
mental health problems is
escalating. The number of people
collecting disability for mental
health problems has sky-rocketed,”
he said.
Mental health
problems have increased
due to a lot of factors
including general stress,
an increase in the
recognition of mental
health problems and the problems
‘$50 million
not a lot,’
says doctor
coming to attention more readily,
economic and social factors also
weigh into the equation, he said.
“It’s a very backwards step when
there is supposed to be an emphasis
on community-based care,” Conlon
said.
The hospital has been very
supportive of the program. “It is
strictly a budget issue,” he said.
“It has been restructured in such a
way that if there is an improvement
in funding forthcoming that services
can be returned,” Conlon said.
Even if the programs had a cost of
living allowance attached to them
over the years they would have been
able to continue, he said.
Family physician Dr. Jim
Hollingworth, said the restructuring
of CPS is very concerning.
Twenty per cent of the population
doesn’t have a family doctor and
can’t get ready access for their
physical or mental health needs. The
80 per cent of patients with family
doctors have doctors that use the
services of the CPS to help them to
provide care for the mentally ill.
“They do a great job. There will
be a real hole here and there are no
professional caregivers to take up
the slack,” Hollingworth said.
Referrals to the service over the
years has worked “exceedingly
well,” said Hollingworth, who does
some work with moderately
mentally ill patients. He said the
area they help the most is with
ongoing counselling.
“I rely heavily on the CPS and
with a group they are able to look
after many at once,” he said.
“How can the program survive if
there is no increase?” Hollingworth
said.
In the big picture, he said, the
CPS cost $1.2 million a year to
operate and there is a total operating
budget of less than $50 million for
the whole of CPS from Owen Sound
to Windsor.
In comparison to the operating
budget of the
Alexandra Marine
and General
Hospital, which is
about $10 million
a year, this budget
of $50 million is not a lot,
Hollingworth said.
“It’s unfortunate to say the least
because it is an important service. It
seems mental health is neglected
perhaps because the patients don’t
have the same lobbying skills,”
Hollingworth said.
He said what he sees as a doctor is
about 20 per cent of the population
will experience moderate mental
illness during the course of their
lifetime.
Hollingworth said not treating
moderate mental illness is like
telling a patient with angina that
they have to have a heart attack first
before they will be treated for their
condition.
People with moderate mental
illnesses such as depression and
anxiety for example will fall
between the cracks, Hollingworth
said
He said it is a positive that it is an
election year and mental health
advocates can be telling their
politicians that the services are
inadequate and that more money
needs to be targeted towards this
deserving aspect of health.
The Municipality of Central Huron is pleased to announce the 2nd annual Central Huron Fagade
Grant Program. In 2003, the Program is expanded to include a signage improvement program as
well. The Municipality has set aside funds to assist property owners within the Business
Improvement Area (BIA) of Ward 3 (former Town of Clinton) in the expansion or improvement
of the building fagade and for all areas outside of the BIA for signage creation or improvement.
Budget
The total 2003 Fagade Grant Program budget has been set at $15,000. The funds will be
distributed under Program #1 (BIA Building Fagade) to a total of $10,000 (a maximum of $1,000
per application) and under Program #2 (Signage) a total of $5,000 (a maximum of $500 per
application). The funds will be distributed for either program on a “first come first served” basis.
Funding may be in the form of a cash or in-kind contribution.
To Qualify
Program #1 - The structure for the proposed enhancement must be located within the Business
Improvement Area of Ward 3 as defined in the Town of Clinton Bylaw 20-1979. Program #2 -
The signage to be erectedor improved must advertise an operating business within Central Huron.
In either case, the proposed fagade or signage improvement must enhance the “cosmetic” appeal
of the structure from a streetscape viewpoint. The applicant must be prepared to complete the
project within the calendar year. It is understood that the applicant will be reimbursed the grant
amount following the completion of the works and submissions of all project receipts. Successful
applicants will be required to submit a post project report identifying the use of the funds.
Application
Applications for funding should include:
❖ Description of the project
❖ Timeline for completion of the work
❖ Budget for proposed project
❖ Visual representation of the proposed project
❖ Supporting information, as appropriate
❖ Amount of funding requested, specifying whether a cash or in-kind donation is required.
Deadline
Applications must be received by 12:00 noon June 30th, 2003.
If you have any questions or comments please direct them to the Municipal office at 482-3997.
Applications are to be addressed as follows:
“Central Huron Fagade Grant Program”
Attention: Richard Harding, Clerk Administrator
Municipality of Central Huron
P.O. Box 400, 23 Albert Street
Clinton, Ontario N0M 1L0